Earlier this year, Jordan Peele (Get Out) was under consideration to direct Warner Bros.’ Akira, the long-brewing live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga series about a biker gang and psychic powers. The series was adapted into an animated movie in 1988 (above). Instead, Peele signed a two-year deal with Universal, leaving the helming opportunity open.

Now Taika Waititi is in negotiations to direct the project, according to Deadline. Waititi directed Thor: Ragnarok and we’ve heard glowing reports about the upcoming superhero adventure.

In the past, directors like Justin Lin, the Hughes Brothers and Jaume Collet-Serra have been under consideration, while actors such as Dane DeHaan, Michael Pitt, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Ken Watanabe and Helena Bonham Carter have been mentioned as well.

Hailing from New Zealand, Waititi earned an Academy Award nomination for Two Cars, One Night back in 2004. He followed that up with the delightful comic movies Eagle vs. Shark and Boy, gaining further attention with vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows (codirected with Jemaine Clement) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

Thor: Ragnarok is his first movie to feature extensive action sequences and, as mentioned, we’ve heard nothing but good things about it. That experience should serve him well if things work out and he directs Akira.